as in headache
something that is a source of irritation
even what seems to be a dream job usually turns out to have its fair share of rubs
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to wear
to damage or diminish by continued friction
the brake pads were rubbed away as a result of years of use
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to sand
to make smooth by friction
the furniture restorer rubbed the board perfectly smooth with sandpaper
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to polish
to make smooth or glossy usually by repeatedly applying surface pressure
the butler rubbed the silver tea set until it gleamed
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of rub
Tj MacIas, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2025
Some pigs lumber after her, seeking scratches, belly rubs and lunch.
—Bennet Goldstein, jsonline.com, 4 July 2025
Dominic Patten, Deadline, 12 Aug. 2025
Atlas Obscura fans should be sure to rub the big toe of the Gregory of Nin statue and don’t miss Froggyland, a quirky yet fascinating museum dedicated to taxidermied frogs in 21 different dioramas.
—Amy Nelson, Twin Cities, 10 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rub
Noun
Gage is a lovable pup who enjoys toys and bully rubs, his pet profile says.
—Tj MacIas, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2025
Some pigs lumber after her, seeking scratches, belly rubs and lunch.
—Bennet Goldstein, jsonline.com, 4 July 2025
Verb
Hollywood director getting government handouts might just rub some the wrong way.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 12 Aug. 2025
Atlas Obscura fans should be sure to rub the big toe of the Gregory of Nin statue and don’t miss Froggyland, a quirky yet fascinating museum dedicated to taxidermied frogs in 21 different dioramas.
—Amy Nelson, Twin Cities, 10 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rub
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rub
Noun
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Residents report constant running noses, headaches and sore throats.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
15 Aug. 2025
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While the flu shot can cause redness and soreness at the injection site, as well as fever, muscle aches, headache and fatigue, FluMist can cause flu-like symptoms, including runny nose, congestion, sore throat, cough, fever, and muscle aches.—
Alice Park,
Time,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Here is a closer look at what the Jayhawks will be wearing in that game.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
15 Aug. 2025
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Mom, 40, with blonde hair wearing white shirt speaking to camera for TikTok video.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
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If your journey has jagged edges, don't sand them down.—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
2 Aug. 2025
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Contractors will power wash and sand the slide to remove grease dirt, and oxidation, according to city documents.—
Gloria Casas,
Chicago Tribune,
29 July 2025
Verb
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Vinegar is one of the most versatile products in the pantry with uses that range from adding pep to coleslaw and barbecue sauce to protecting houseplants and polishing silver.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
15 Aug. 2025
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Between the Trump Administration declaring private accounts a red flag for foreign students and prospective employers using AI to find fake applicants, the old rules of polishing and making your accounts private are becoming obsolete.—
Erin Spencer Sairam,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Nearly ten months later, that tycoon Jimmy Lai – a pro-democracy firebrand and persistent thorn in Beijing’s side – remains behind bars.—
Nectar Gan,
CNN Money,
13 Aug. 2025
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Turnover remains a thorn in the retail industry’s side.—
Michael Spataro,
Forbes.com,
11 Aug. 2025
Verb
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In fact, even as Iran and its premier proxy, Hezbollah, were being eroded through much of 2024, the Saudis appointed their first ambassador to Damascus in 12 years—capping a year-long diplomatic process that included former President Bashar al-Assad’s visit to Riyadh in May 2023.—
Kamran Bokhari,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
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It’s been a brutal year for journalism, with mass layoffs, corporate capitulation, and distrust of traditional media eroding the industry.—
Shauna Lyon,
New Yorker,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Each was then ground with a mortar and pestle with some human saliva added to simulate the chewed end product.—
Elizabeth Rayne,
ArsTechnica,
19 Aug. 2025
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Memphis and Orlando are built to grind opponents down — blue-collar playoff teams with deep rotations and physically punishing styles.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
18 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Card networks and domestic wallet apps have smoothed many edges, yet many of those wallets still use the same traditional systems.—
Alvin Kan,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
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Therapeutic Botox – used for conditions that include muscle spasticity, migraines, overactive bladders, certain eye conditions and excessive sweating – brought in $3.3 billion for AbbVie last year, with sales of cosmetic Botox, often used to smooth facial wrinkles, generating $2.72 billion.—
Kara Fox,
CNN Money,
14 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rub.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rub. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.
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